As you know, butane is considered to be an alkane. But, what exactly is it? Well, an alkane is when the compound is joined by a single bond connecting hydrogens and carbons together. In other words, it can be called hydrocarbons. Butane is also a colorless gas. Most people purchase butane in its liquid state because it is simply compressed under force. Butane is very dense which gives it the ability to float. When the mass increases, the melting and boiling point will also rise. Overall, the melting and boiling points are rather small. Butane is probably considered to be unreactive compared to other organic compounds. It is also classified as being a non-polar compound.
How was Butane discovered?
Butane was discovered along the lines of propane. In this case, the discovery became known as "LPG." LPG stands for Liquefied petroleum gas that contains propane and butane. It was discovered by Dr. Walter Snellings in Pittsburgh. A person complained that when they purchased a gallon of petrol, they got home and only half was left. They wanted to know where it all went in such a short period of time. So, Dr.Snellings was determined to figure out the solution to this problem. The result ended up being that the hydrocarbons has the ability to evaporate. Dr. Walter Snellings set up an experiment with a water heater in hopes to separate the hydrocarbons. He made sure that they wouldn't end up evaporating. As a result, he created liquefied petroleum gas.
What is it used for?
Butane Gas
Butane can be used for a variety things. It can be a cigarette lighter, a heater, or a stove fuel. Surprisingly, you can find butane in some curling irons too. Butane also takes part in creating gasoline for cars and other transportation. It helps manufacture chemicals and makes fuel. It is also a solvent in oils as well. Butane is extremely important because without it we would be limited on valuable resources. This compound can also be used for outdoor grilling. Butane is also a propellant in aerosol sprays like deodrant for instance. Sometimes, isobutane acts as a component in "refrigerants." It can be used in freezers and refrigerators. Surprisingly, even plumbers can find a use in this compound. They use it to join pipes together by the heat it provides. Most importantly, butane is more used as a heating source than anything else.
Where is it found?
This organic compound can be found in natural gas. It is also a component in fuel oil. Butane can also be found when refining petroleum. This gas can easily be compressed when pressure is applied. It can be very dangerous and people must act accordingly. Butane can also be found in aerosols and blow torches. Scientists use this compound in organic synthesis. Butane can also be obtained from refining "crude oil." It can also be obtained from natural gas or oil streams from underground reservoirs.
Chemical Properties
Naturally, butane is a colorless gas and has the odor of a natural gas. Butane is very stable, slightly water soluble and readily soluble in alcohol, ether and chloroform, and has no corrosive reaction to metal.It remains a gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Only under certain conditions can butane liquefy. In order for liquefaction to occur, butane must be compressed at room temperature. When butane is combusted, water and carbon dioxide is formed. The density of this compound is two times denser than the air.
Structure of Butane
Butane & Isobutane
There are two isomers of butane. 2-methylpropane, also known as Isobutane, has three carbon atoms bonded to the fourth carbon atom by single bonds, making a branched structure. For regular butane, four carbon atoms are bonded in a continuous unbranched chain. These Isomers differ slightly in their physical and chemical properties. An example would be the boiling point as regular butane has a higher boiling point as opposed to isobutane.
Table of Contents
Butane
3D Model of Butane
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*_Brief Facts_*
Molecular Formula
C4 H10
Molar Mass
58.124 g/mol
Melting Point
−138.4 °C
Boiling Point
−0.5 °C
Density
2.48 g/l, gas
Butane=Alkane
How was Butane discovered?
Butane was discovered along the lines of propane. In this case, the discovery became known as "LPG." LPG stands for Liquefied petroleum gas that contains propane and butane. It was discovered by Dr. Walter Snellings in Pittsburgh. A person complained that when they purchased a gallon of petrol, they got home and only half was left. They wanted to know where it all went in such a short period of time. So, Dr.Snellings was determined to figure out the solution to this problem. The result ended up being that the hydrocarbons has the ability to evaporate. Dr. Walter Snellings set up an experiment with a water heater in hopes to separate the hydrocarbons. He made sure that they wouldn't end up evaporating. As a result, he created liquefied petroleum gas.
What is it used for?
Butane can be used for a variety things. It can be a cigarette lighter, a heater, or a stove fuel. Surprisingly, you can find butane in some curling irons too. Butane also takes part in creating gasoline for cars and other transportation. It helps manufacture chemicals and makes fuel. It is also a solvent in oils as well. Butane is extremely important because without it we would be limited on valuable resources. This compound can also be used for outdoor grilling. Butane is also a propellant in aerosol sprays like deodrant for instance. Sometimes, isobutane acts as a component in "refrigerants." It can be used in freezers and refrigerators. Surprisingly, even plumbers can find a use in this compound. They use it to join pipes together by the heat it provides. Most importantly, butane is more used as a heating source than anything else.
Where is it found?
This organic compound can be found in natural gas. It is also a component in fuel oil. Butane can also be found when refining petroleum. This gas can easily be compressed when pressure is applied. It can be very dangerous and people must act accordingly. Butane can also be found in aerosols and blow torches. Scientists use this compound in organic synthesis. Butane can also be obtained from refining "crude oil." It can also be obtained from natural gas or oil streams from underground reservoirs.
Chemical Properties
Naturally, butane is a colorless gas and has the odor of a natural gas. Butane is very stable, slightly water soluble and readily soluble in alcohol, ether and chloroform, and has no corrosive reaction to metal. It remains a gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Only under certain conditions can butane liquefy. In order for liquefaction to occur, butane must be compressed at room temperature. When butane is combusted, water and carbon dioxide is formed. The density of this compound is two times denser than the air.Structure of Butane
Composition
Percent by number:
((Carbon))
4/14 X 100= 28.57%((Hydrogen))
10/14 X 100= 71.43%Percent by mass:
((Carbon))
48.044g/58.1234g x 100=82.65861942= 82.66%
((Hydrogen))
10.0794g/58.1234g x 100=17.34138058= 17.34%
A Regular lighter with Butane
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EdX0krb-B4U&feature=related
By: Michelle, Ryan, and Sara
References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butanehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkane
http://www.ausetute.com.au/usehydrc.html
http://www.erowid.org/psychoactives/faqs/faq_otc_solvents.shtml
http://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/partial/pv2010/2010.html
http://www.go-lpg.co.uk/whatislpg.html
http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2004/NicoleWeathers.shtml
http://xml.education.yahoo.com/reference/encyclopedia/entry/buta
http://www.e-lpg.com/lp_gas.asp
http://www.barrygray.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Tutoring/Tutpix/OrgChem/Isobutane.gif
http://www.jordanautomations.com/liquidbutaneandpropane.html
http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=9011147&contentId=7020922
http://www.dictionary.com
http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/Lab/4772/spudpropel.html